3.3 Indians in Fiji and other Pacific islands

Indian migration to Fiji began in the late 19th century as indentured laborers for sugar plantations. About 60,000 Indians arrived between 1879 and 1916, forming a significant community that shaped Fiji's economy and culture.

After completing their contracts, many Indians stayed, becoming farmers, traders, and professionals. They maintained their cultural practices while adapting to Fijian life, creating a unique Indo-Fijian identity that enriched the island's diversity.

Historical Context and Socioeconomic Roles

Historical context of Indian migration

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• Indian indentured labor migration to Fiji and other Pacific islands began in the late 19th century following the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833
• Plantation owners sought alternative sources of cheap labor to work on their sugar plantations
• Indentured laborers were recruited primarily from North and South India, signing contracts for a fixed period (usually five years) with the promise of return passage to India after completion
• The first group of Indian indentured laborers arrived in Fiji in 1879 aboard the ship Leonidas, marking the beginning of a significant migration wave
• Approximately 60,000 Indians were brought to Fiji between 1879 and 1916, while other Pacific islands (Guyana, Trinidad) also received Indian indentured laborers

Socioeconomic roles in Pacific islands

• Indian indentured laborers initially worked on sugar plantations, which formed the backbone of Fiji's economy, performing tasks such as planting, harvesting, and processing sugarcane
• After completing their contracts, many Indians chose to remain in Fiji, becoming small-scale farmers growing crops (rice, vegetables, fruits) and leasing land from Fijian landowners or the government
• Indians also entered the service sector, working as shopkeepers, traders, and in other small businesses, playing a significant role in the retail and wholesale trade
• Over time, Indians became an integral part of Fiji's economy, contributing to the diversification of the agricultural sector and establishing themselves as entrepreneurs and professionals

Cultural Practices and Political Struggles

Cultural influence of Indian communities

• Indian communities in Fiji maintained their cultural and religious practices, with Hinduism and Islam being the dominant religions among the Indian population
• They built temples and mosques to practice their faiths and celebrated traditional festivals and holidays, such as Diwali (Hindu festival of lights) and Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan)
• Indian cuisine, music, and dance became an integral part of Fijian culture, with Indo-Fijian cuisine (a blend of Indian and Fijian flavors) gaining popularity and Indian music and dance forms (Bhangra, Garba) being embraced by the local population
• Intermarriage between Indians and Fijians led to cultural exchange and the emergence of a unique Indo-Fijian identity

Political struggles of Indians in Fiji

• Indian communities in Fiji faced political challenges and discrimination, being denied equal political rights and representation in the early 20th century and struggling against colonial government policies favoring the indigenous Fijian population
• Indian leaders, such as A.D. Patel, advocated for equal rights and political representation, forming political parties (National Federation Party) to represent Indian interests
• Fiji gained independence from British colonial rule in 1970, with the new constitution providing for a multi-racial government and granting Indians greater political representation and rights
• However, tensions between the Indian and indigenous Fijian communities persisted, with military coups in 1987 and 2000 leading to the overthrow of governments with significant Indian representation and many Indians emigrating from Fiji due to political instability and discrimination
• Despite challenges, Indian communities in Fiji have made significant contributions to the country's political, economic, and social development, fighting for their rights and working towards building a more inclusive and equitable society